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• 4.5 CROPLAND <br />Croplands are discussed in Sections 3.6.2 and 4.2.1. <br />In order to determine whether successful reclamation has been achieved on reclaimed cropland <br />(non-irrigated pasture and hayland), reclaimed croplands will be compared against an adjacent cropland <br />reference area situated on unmined lands. Hayland production may differ greatly from year to year as <br />described in correspondence from the Soil Conservation Service (Figure 4.5-1). Variations in annual <br />precipitation totals as well as late spring freezing temperatures can have a profound effect on hay <br />production from one year to the next. Thus, a comparison of reclaimed croplands against an adjacent <br />unmined reference area, which is managed in a similar fashion, and where both areas are subjected to <br />the same precipitation and climactic variations is the most logical bond release approach for croplands. <br />Soils that are replaced on areas being reclaimed for cropland are similar to those found on adjacent <br />unmined areas used for farming. Soils found on the affected cropland acres and adjacent unmined <br />cropland areas were described by the Soil Conservation Service (1975) during a Soil Survey of Trapper <br />Mine (refer to Appendix G). Soil textures for both areas are predominantly loam, clay loam, and silty clay <br />• loam. <br />Slopes are similar between the two areas, (g those areas to be returned to cropland and the adjacent <br />unmined areas to be used for comparison) being generally less than 12%. The overall aspect for both <br />areas is northern. <br />4.5.1 Conceptual Plan for Testing Success of Cropland Restoration <br />Successful reclamation of croplands (non-irrigated pasture and hayland) will be determined by <br />comparison of reclaimed croplands against an adjacent cropland reference area (Figure 4.5-2). Actual <br />hay production will be determined from clipped plots. Plots will be randomly located on both the <br />reclaimed area block and the reference area and will be one meter by one meter (one meter squared) in <br />size. A sufficient number of plots will be clipped to provide a statistically valid sample for both reclaimed <br />and reference areas. The material, once clipped, will be bagged and allowed to air dry to a relatively <br />constant weight. <br />• <br />4-142 <br />Revision: Te-94 <br />Appro,r,JNAR 5 2nn+